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ADMISSION CONSIDERATIONS

The Admission Committee will pay closest attention to an applicant’s high school course of study and grades. We understand the availability of honors, AP, and IB courses varies from school to school. Within the context of the applicant’s school, we will expect that the student has taken a solid load of the more challenging courses available. Most competitive students will have a B+/A- average or better within a rigorous course of study.

SAT I and/or ACT scores are very important but are not the deciding factor. Strong grades in rigorous courses may cause the committee to overlook below average standardized test scores, but high board scores will never make up for an applicant’s weak course selection or grades.

Last year, the mid-fifty-percentile of Emory’s admitted class had SAT I scores between a 1330–1470. Thus, 25 percent of the admitted class had scores above a 1470, and 25 percent had scores below a 1330. The ACT mid-fifty-percentile range was 30 to 33 with 25 percent having scores above or below.

We invite applicants to submit SAT II results, but they are not required unless a student is home-schooled. If home-schooled, we ask for results from three SAT II subject tests: mathematics and two subjects of the applicant’s choice.

The Admission Committee looks closely at how a student has spent his or her time beyond the classroom. We look for leadership and/or commitment in extracurricular activities. We seek active students who will contribute to our dynamic community, students who will bring to our campus many different backgrounds, experiences, interests, opinions, and talents.

We pay close attention to the contact an applicant has had with the Office of Admission during the application process. It is important that applicants have done their research on Emory, whether through ordering a Video Visit, talking with a representative at a college fair, attending an information session in your city or at your school, or visiting our campus. We also expect a competitive candidate to articulate why Emory is a particularly good match for them.

Applicants must submit one recommendation from a high school counselor. Students may submit two additional recommendations from such people as teachers, advisers, employers, coaches, or religious leaders. Applicants should choose recommenders who know them well, who know their academic strengths, and who can tell us about their character. If home-schooled, at least one letter of recommendation must be submitted from someone other than a family member.

We read essays and short answer responses closely. These writing samples are an applicant’s best opportunity to communicate who they are, what they enjoy, what issues interest them, and what arouses their curiosity. There is no evaluative interview during the Emory application process. In the writing samples, applicants should included any information they would like the Admission Committee to review when their applications are considered.